Speed the key for undersized Pretzels

With a small roster and not a lot of height, Freeport will rely on its speed and athleticism this season. That won’t be a problem with this group, seven-year coach Jeff Lawfer said.

Emily Tropp

With a small roster and not a lot of height, Freeport will rely on its speed and athleticism this season.

Freeport Pretzels
Coach: Jeff Lawfer (seventh season)
Last season: 16-13, 10-6 NIC-10 (fourth)
Returning starters: Ryan Hickey (6-2 Sr. F), Josh Lewis (5-7 Jr. G), Jon Manson (6-1 Sr. G), Eric Douglass (5-11 Sr. G)
Other key players: Wes Gastel (5-11 Sr. G), Logan Sheriff (5-11 Sr. G), Trent Huntoon (6-1 Sr. G), Austin Davis (6-7 Jr. F)
Strengths: Athleticism. Even though Freeport graduated two key players in Onterio Pye and Zak Fullerton last year, the Pretzels have some experience with Hickey, Lewis, Manson, Douglass and Gastel, who all started either full-time or part-time last year.
Weaknesses: Lack of depth in the post. Other than the 6-7 Davis, size is a concern.
Outlook: Freeport may not be one of the top teams in the conference, but the Pretzels are good enough to compete with everyone.

That won’t be a problem with this group, seven-year coach Jeff Lawfer said.

“They’re a very athletic group of men,” said Lawfer, who led Freeport to a 16-13 (10-6 NIC-10) record last season. “They have the ability to mesh together and be a very good team.”

Freeport graduated its leading scorers, Onterio Pye and Isaiah Lewis, and its assists and steals leader in all-conference guard Zak Fullerton. But the Pretzels had several players who started at least part time last season who will lead this year’s group.